What type of water is publicly owned and governed by the state of Texas?

Surface water is the correct answer because it refers to water that is found in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. In Texas, surface water is publicly owned and governed by the state. This means that the state has regulatory authority over the use and distribution of surface water, including the granting of permits for its use. This legal framework is rooted in the fact that surface water is considered a public resource, and its management is crucial for addressing issues like drought, allocation between users, and conservation.

Groundwater, while also vital, is governed under a different set of laws and may be privately owned by landowners who have the right to extract it. Riparian water refers to water rights associated with land adjacent to water bodies, which is also subject to a different legal framework. Rainwater harvesting is less regulated and typically allows individuals to collect and use rainwater without the same level of state oversight as surface water, making these alternatives distinct in terms of ownership and governance.